METRO Light Rail
Transit Corridors and Light Rail Extensions

Click here to view larger future transit corridor map
As one of the country’s fastest-growing metropolitan areas, the Valley of the Sun has a critical need for additional transportation options.
The Maricopa Association of Governments has identified six high-capacity transit corridors, 37 miles in total, in the Regional Transportation Plan. It is METRO’s responsibility to determine the specific transit route for each corridor, and to examine whether light rail, bus rapid transit, local bus service or some other transit mode is best to serve these corridors. All of the high-capacity transit corridors in the plan are scheduled to be in place by 2030.
- Northwest Extension: Five miles, runs north on 19th Avenue toward Rose Mofford Park. This light rail extension will be built in two phases, with the first phase of 3.2 miles terminating at Dunlap Avenue. Opens in 2012. Funded through city of Phoenix Transit 2000 tax. Click here for more info about the Northwest Extension
- Tempe South: Two miles, runs southbound to near Southern Avenue in Tempe. Opens in 2016. Transit mode and route to be determined. Funded through Proposition 400 regional sales tax. Click here for more info about the Tempe South Extension
- Central Mesa: Light rail extension to run 2.7 miles further east on Main Street to Mesa Drive. Opens 2016. Funded through Proposition 400 regional sales tax. Click here for more info about the Central Mesa Extension
- Glendale: Five miles, runs west into Glendale. Opens 2019. Transit mode and route to be determined. Funded through Glendale and Phoenix city taxes. Click here for more info about the Glendale Extension
- I-10 West: Eleven miles, runs near the freeway ending at 79th Ave. Opens 2021. Transit mode and route to be determined. Funded through Proposition 400 regional sales tax. Click here for more info about the I-10 West Extension
- Northeast Phoenix: Twelve miles, runs northeast toward Paradise Valley Mall. Opens 2030. Transit mode and route to be determined. Funded through Proposition 400 regional sales tax. Click here for more info about the Northeast Extension
View Design Criteria Manual (Final)
To obtain a copy of the Design Specifications Manual or Standard Details and Drawings documents, please contact De’Nerika Ward at 602-495-8242 or (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Planning for most of the corridors in the Regional Transportation Plan is funded by the Maricopa County Proposition 400 half-cent transportation sales tax extension approved by voters in 2004. The corridors will be built on a pay-as-you-go basis using a variety of funds, including regional and city funds, and perhaps federal grant money. Some bonding may be used to cover timing issues related to the receipt of federal funds. Planning for high-capacity transit or possible light rail extensions begins nine to 10 years prior to the opening date.
Planning process
High Capacity Transit technologies
For complete information on high-capacity transit corridors or a copy of the Regional Transportation Plan call the Maricopa Association of Governments at (602) 254-6300.
Download the plan from the MAG website at mag.maricopa.gov
To receive this information in alternative formats call 602-254-7245 / TTY 602-322-4499.
Para recibir esta información en formatos alternativos favor de llamar al 602-254-7245/TTY 602-322-4499.